✓ Policy web-verified 2026-05-31
Air Tanzania (ATCL) is the national carrier of Tanzania, flying a domestic network plus regional African and longer-haul routes to destinations such as Mumbai, Guangzhou and Dubai. Its baggage allowance is generous compared with European low-cost carriers: even the cheapest fare includes a free checked bag, and the allowance grows on intercontinental routes.
The headline numbers for 2026: 7 kg of cabin baggage plus a small personal item, and at least one free 23 kg checked bag in Economy. On international flights to and from Africa you get two pieces at 23 kg each. Below is the full breakdown by route and cabin, including excess-weight and sports-equipment fees.
Quick facts
| Personal item | Small item (laptop or handbag), free |
| Carry-on | 58 × 38 × 20 cm, 7 kg (115 cm total) |
| Checked (domestic Economy) | 1 × 23 kg free |
| Checked (intl Economy, within/from Africa) | 2 × 23 kg free |
| Checked (Business, intercontinental) | 3 × 23 kg free |
| Excess weight | TZS 8,000/kg domestic; USD 8/kg intra-Africa; USD 15/kg Africa–Asia |
Cabin bag & personal item
| Item | Allowance |
|---|---|
| Personal / under-seat item | Small item — e.g. laptop or handbag. One personal item carried free in addition to the 7 kg cabin bag |
| Cabin / carry-on bag | 58 × 38 × 20 cm (max 115 cm total L+W+H) · 7 kg Free in all fares |
Checked baggage & fees
| Checked allowance | 1 piece domestic Economy; 2 pieces international Economy (within/from Africa); 3 pieces intercontinental Business |
| Weight limit | 23 kg per piece Economy; 30 kg domestic Business. Comoros routes capped at 2 × 15 kg |
| Typical fee | First allowance free; excess charged per kg (see below) |
What each fare includes
| Fare | Personal | Cabin | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy (domestic) | 1 small item | 7 kg | 1 × 23 kg |
| Economy (international, within/from Africa) | 1 small item | 7 kg | 2 × 23 kg |
| Business (domestic) | 1 small item | 7 kg | 1 × 30 kg |
| Business (international, within Africa) | 1 small item | 7 kg | 2 × 23 kg |
| Business (intercontinental) | 1 small item | 7 kg | 3 × 23 kg |
What you actually get on a cheap fare
For deal-hunters, the standout is that Air Tanzania bundles a checked bag into its cheapest fare — unlike Europe’s no-frills carriers. At deal prices you can expect 7 kg of cabin baggage plus 1 × 23 kg checked included, with no separate “hand-baggage-only” stripped fare to watch out for.
On international routes from Africa that 23 kg checked allowance becomes two pieces, so a typical Dar es Salaam–to-Mumbai or –Dubai Economy ticket carries 2 × 23 kg without any add-on. That makes ATCL one of the better-value carriers for travellers needing real luggage, where the advertised price already covers what a European LCC would charge €40–60 extra to add.
Oversize, sports & special items
Excess and overweight fees: charged per kilogram over your free allowance — TZS 8,000/kg on domestic Tanzania routes, USD 8/kg intra-Africa, and USD 15/kg on Africa–Asia routes. Rates vary by route, so confirm at check-in.
Sports and special equipment: bicycles, golf clubs and fishing gear carry a handling fee — roughly TZS 95,000–116,000 domestically, USD 80–160 regionally/internationally (and around INR 8,000 from India). Diving equipment is charged separately and is not part of the free allowance.
Musical instruments may be carried in the cabin where fragility warrants it, subject to space and crew approval (a seat may need to be purchased for large instruments).
Valuables — gold, jewellery, laptops, cash and similar high-value items — are not accepted as checked baggage and must travel in the cabin.
Infants and children: infants on an infant fare get 10 kg; children on a child fare get the full adult allowance.
Frequently asked questions
How many bags can I check on Air Tanzania for free?
Domestic Economy includes one free 23 kg checked bag. International Economy flights within or from Africa include two pieces at 23 kg each. Intercontinental Business gets three 23 kg pieces.
What is Air Tanzania's carry-on allowance?
One cabin bag up to 7 kg and 58 × 38 × 20 cm (115 cm total), plus one small personal item such as a laptop or handbag, free of charge.
Does Air Tanzania's cheapest fare include a checked bag?
Yes. Unlike European low-cost carriers, even Air Tanzania's lowest Economy fare includes a free checked bag — 1 × 23 kg domestically, and 2 × 23 kg on international routes within or from Africa.
How much does excess baggage cost on Air Tanzania?
Overweight is charged per kilogram: about TZS 8,000/kg on domestic routes, USD 8/kg intra-Africa, and USD 15/kg on Africa–Asia routes. Rates vary by route, so confirm at check-in.
What is the baggage allowance to the Comoros?
Routes to the Comoro Islands have a reduced limit of two pieces at 15 kg each, in both Economy and Business, rather than the standard 23 kg pieces.
Can I bring sports equipment or a bicycle on Air Tanzania?
Yes, but bicycles, golf clubs and fishing gear carry a handling fee — roughly TZS 95,000–116,000 domestically and USD 80–160 regionally or internationally. Diving gear is charged separately and isn't part of the free allowance.
Can I carry a musical instrument in the cabin?
Fragile musical instruments may be carried in the cabin subject to space and crew approval. Large instruments may require a purchased extra seat.
What checked-baggage weight does Business class get?
Domestic Business gets one 30 kg bag. Business within Africa gets two 23 kg pieces, and intercontinental Business gets three 23 kg pieces.